Neal gets his two cents in

[Chubby321]

I 2nd that statement Rick! Havent been to a show yet this year, but change is good! Im really looking foward to the one I get to go this year...and Neal can sing to me anyday of the week!! Cant even believe theres people out there <b>bitchin</b>! They are listening to JOURNEY <i>live</i> for cryin out loud!!

I saw one review on Ticketmaster that was for the Indianapolis show, and I kid you not - it gave the band a one-star rating and said "the band played all new stuff except Don't Stop Believin'." I know for every 10,000 fans at a show there's only 2 of those people, but it made me want to shoot someone. Having an issue with a show is one thing, but that was just unbelievable.

[PianoMan1986]

* Already posted it on Neal's blog, but for the hell of it I'll post my thoughts here too:

"Neal, keep rockin' and doing what you guys do best. Don't listen to some jerk's stupid comments when you've got real fans like us who love anything you guys play whether it's new stuff (which is awesome), old stuff or rarities (always great to hear too), and even the hits. Again, you guys were awesome in Rockford, IL (even though Arnel called us Chicago hahaha -- hey I'd be confused too with all the shows you guys play). Again, awesome job from all of you, my favorite band. Looking forward to the Manila DVD and new album next year!"

[artist4perry]

I am glad they do the solos. They keep a show fresh and new.

[fightingilliniJRNY]

* Already posted it on Neal's blog, but for the hell of it I'll post my thoughts here too:

"Neal, keep rockin' and doing what you guys do best. Don't listen to some jerk's stupid comments when you've got real fans like us who love anything you guys play whether it's new stuff (which is awesome), old stuff or rarities (always great to hear too), and even the hits. Again, you guys were awesome in Rockford, IL (even though Arnel called us Chicago hahaha -- hey I'd be confused too with all the shows you guys play). Again, awesome job from all of you, my favorite band. Looking forward to the Manila DVD and new album next year!"

Good comments. I'm sure Neal realizes it's a fine line between catering to the masses and pleasing the die-hard fans, but the overwhelmingly positive reviews and great crowds for this tour should be all the reinforcement the band needs for a smoking new album and tour next year.

[fredinator]

Solos, "Gone Crazy," and you and Deen perform "People and Places" along with "We Will Meet Again." Wouldn't that be something, lol?

[Don]

Who in the devil is saying they don't like the "additions" ? Let's pounce on them! You just can't satisfy 'casual' Journey fans!

This guy maybe? This is an actual review taken off the Journey official site.

Confused
Friday, August 21, 2009 - 6:56 am - stash
This was my third Journey show, each with a different lead singer. This show was a little different. High energy, hard rocking, almost a too hard for ancient Journey fan wanting to hear the powerful vocal ballads the band is famous for. Arnel, well your a great singer. I've followed your progress from You-Tube to the Ellen show. The band has it's Steve Perry sound-alike. Arnel has an endless amount of energy and the ability to work an audience. But, 35 jumps per song? I thought I was watching David Lee Roth? Also, it was disappointing that Neal and Jon have taken many of the Journey balleds and turned them into guitar riffs reminiscent of Egar Winters Frankinstein synthesizer solos.

However, Journey did rock the house. The crowd sat patiently through the long riffs and intros to hear the classics they have learned to love. Faithfully, Open Arms, Only the Young, and of course Don't Stop are more powerful than ever. Arnel hits every note right on. The new material was great, even though most of the crowd had never heard these song before. For a true Journey fan, the show was different than expected, but the music was great.

Heart was awsome. Ann Wilson's vocals had me mesmerized from opening to encore. Their songs are as strong as ever. The Wilson sisters have hit it. They ROCK!!! As I left the show and walked to my car I heard a young girl of maybe 14 say "mommy, I think Heart is better than Journey".

To both bands..thanks for coming to Youngstown. It was a night to remember.

Right...can't please the casual fans.

Sounds like the guy gave a big thumbs up to the band in the overall review but because he didn't totally kiss ass and proclaim everything they did as golden, he's being called out.
The BackTalk forums have returned, apparently..

[fightingilliniJRNY]

Solos, "Gone Crazy," and you and Deen perform "People and Places" along with "We Will Meet Again." Wouldn't that be something, lol?

I'm still waiting for the day that We Will Meet Again re-appears in the set.

I think I'm going to be waiting a long time, unfortuantely.

[Don]

If Neal is comfortable enough to tell people to stay home and listen to the original recordings if they don't like the extended solos, how about changing the setlist up once in awhile? If he's so bored playing the same thing night after night, why not? If people don't like it, they can stay home and put on The Greatest Hits CD.

[JRNYFan]

Who in the devil is saying they don't like the "additions" ? Let's pounce on them! You just can't satisfy 'casual' Journey fans!

This guy maybe? This is an actual review taken off the Journey official site.

Confused
Friday, August 21, 2009 - 6:56 am - stash
This was my third Journey show, each with a different lead singer. This show was a little different. High energy, hard rocking, almost a too hard for ancient Journey fan wanting to hear the powerful vocal ballads the band is famous for. Arnel, well your a great singer. I've followed your progress from You-Tube to the Ellen show. The band has it's Steve Perry sound-alike. Arnel has an endless amount of energy and the ability to work an audience. But, 35 jumps per song? I thought I was watching David Lee Roth? Also, it was disappointing that Neal and Jon have taken many of the Journey balleds and turned them into guitar riffs reminiscent of Egar Winters Frankinstein synthesizer solos.

However, Journey did rock the house. The crowd sat patiently through the long riffs and intros to hear the classics they have learned to love. Faithfully, Open Arms, Only the Young, and of course Don't Stop are more powerful than ever. Arnel hits every note right on. The new material was great, even though most of the crowd had never heard these song before. For a true Journey fan, the show was different than expected, but the music was great.

Heart was awsome. Ann Wilson's vocals had me mesmerized from opening to encore. Their songs are as strong as ever. The Wilson sisters have hit it. They ROCK!!! As I left the show and walked to my car I heard a young girl of maybe 14 say "mommy, I think Heart is better than Journey".

To both bands..thanks for coming to Youngstown. It was a night to remember.

Right...can't please the casual fans.

Sounds like the guy gave a big thumbs up to the band in the overall review but because he didn't totally kiss ass and proclaim everything they did as golden, he's being called out.
The BackTalk forums have returned, apparently..

There's nothing wrong with giving criticism for a show. We always hear about Augeri/Arnel having an off night, ya da ya da. But to expect a concert to be exactly the same as the original cut? That's pointless. Why go to a live show if it's identical to the CD at home? It should be expected that you're going to hear little variations of songs at a show. That's why you go!

[Don]

Who in the devil is saying they don't like the "additions" ? Let's pounce on them! You just can't satisfy 'casual' Journey fans!

This guy maybe? This is an actual review taken off the Journey official site.

Confused
Friday, August 21, 2009 - 6:56 am - stash
This was my third Journey show, each with a different lead singer. This show was a little different. High energy, hard rocking, almost a too hard for ancient Journey fan wanting to hear the powerful vocal ballads the band is famous for. Arnel, well your a great singer. I've followed your progress from You-Tube to the Ellen show. The band has it's Steve Perry sound-alike. Arnel has an endless amount of energy and the ability to work an audience. But, 35 jumps per song? I thought I was watching David Lee Roth? Also, it was disappointing that Neal and Jon have taken many of the Journey balleds and turned them into guitar riffs reminiscent of Egar Winters Frankinstein synthesizer solos.

However, Journey did rock the house. The crowd sat patiently through the long riffs and intros to hear the classics they have learned to love. Faithfully, Open Arms, Only the Young, and of course Don't Stop are more powerful than ever. Arnel hits every note right on. The new material was great, even though most of the crowd had never heard these song before. For a true Journey fan, the show was different than expected, but the music was great.

Heart was awsome. Ann Wilson's vocals had me mesmerized from opening to encore. Their songs are as strong as ever. The Wilson sisters have hit it. They ROCK!!! As I left the show and walked to my car I heard a young girl of maybe 14 say "mommy, I think Heart is better than Journey".

To both bands..thanks for coming to Youngstown. It was a night to remember.

Right...can't please the casual fans.

Sounds like the guy gave a big thumbs up to the band in the overall review but because he didn't totally kiss ass and proclaim everything they did as golden, he's being called out.
The BackTalk forums have returned, apparently..

There's nothing wrong with giving criticism for a show. We always hear about Augeri/Arnel having an off night, ya da ya da. But to expect a concert to be exactly the same as the original cut? That's pointless. Why go to a live show if it's identical to the CD at home? It should be expected that you're going to hear little variations of songs at a show. That's why you go!

The guy gave the band a five out of five in his review yet the person in the next post gave the band a three and no one said anything, or copied his post over to other forums as they did with the former.
That makes no sense.

[fredinator]

Solos, "Gone Crazy," and you and Deen perform "People and Places" along with "We Will Meet Again." Wouldn't that be something, lol?

I'm still waiting for the day that We Will Meet Again re-appears in the set.

I think I'm going to be waiting a long time, unfortuantely.

(It DID appear in a set? Damn . There goes my chance .) What I REALLY dream about is Neal thumbing his nose at everyone and performing Voodoo Child--all of it, singing, playing, headband, fringed vest, guitar wizardry, etc., lol--not the 'fro though--bad mojo. I think he could really pull it off especially in a college town like Austin at the Erwin Center . I think I would be on the floor if I ever heard that played by Neal/Journey...

[Ehwmatt]

Solos, "Gone Crazy," and you and Deen perform "People and Places" along with "We Will Meet Again." Wouldn't that be something, lol?

I'm still waiting for the day that We Will Meet Again re-appears in the set.

I think I'm going to be waiting a long time, unfortuantely.

(It DID appear in a set? Damn . There goes my chance .) What I REALLY dream about is Neal thumbing his nose at everyone and performing Voodoo Child--all of it, singing, playing, headband, fringed vest, guitar wizardry, etc., lol--not the 'fro though--bad mojo. I think he could really pull it off especially in a college town like Austin at the Erwin Center . I think I would be on the floor if I ever heard that played by Neal/Journey...

Heard him do that on the Gens tour... kinda cool I guess but I would have rather heard more deep Journey cuts

[Don]

Solos, "Gone Crazy," and you and Deen perform "People and Places" along with "We Will Meet Again." Wouldn't that be something, lol?

I'm still waiting for the day that We Will Meet Again re-appears in the set.

I think I'm going to be waiting a long time, unfortuantely.

(It DID appear in a set? Damn . There goes my chance .) What I REALLY dream about is Neal thumbing his nose at everyone and performing Voodoo Child--all of it, singing, playing, headband, fringed vest, guitar wizardry, etc., lol--not the 'fro though--bad mojo. I think he could really pull it off especially in a college town like Austin at the Erwin Center . I think I would be on the floor if I ever heard that played by Neal/Journey...

Heard him do that on the Gens tour... kinda cool I guess but I would have rather heard more deep Journey cuts

I just went to Neal's blog and suggested that he play some different tunes if he's bored and want to take chances, something with more of an edge, like Castles Burning or Lay It Down.
I'll report back if I get a response or if my post gets deleted (It won't be the first time that has happened).

[Ehwmatt]

Solos, "Gone Crazy," and you and Deen perform "People and Places" along with "We Will Meet Again." Wouldn't that be something, lol?

I'm still waiting for the day that We Will Meet Again re-appears in the set.

I think I'm going to be waiting a long time, unfortuantely.

(It DID appear in a set? Damn . There goes my chance .) What I REALLY dream about is Neal thumbing his nose at everyone and performing Voodoo Child--all of it, singing, playing, headband, fringed vest, guitar wizardry, etc., lol--not the 'fro though--bad mojo. I think he could really pull it off especially in a college town like Austin at the Erwin Center . I think I would be on the floor if I ever heard that played by Neal/Journey...

Heard him do that on the Gens tour... kinda cool I guess but I would have rather heard more deep Journey cuts

I just went to Neal's blog and suggested that he play some different tunes if he's bored and want to take chances, something with more of an edge, like Castles Burning or Lay It Down.
I'll report back if I get a response or if my post gets deleted (It won't be the first time that has happened).

I would definitely like to hear some deep Journey stuff if he's bored as opposed to a cover...

I'd sure like to hear Livin To Do or Signs of Life rendered justice from the latter day Journey... and plenty of old stuff that goes unplayed would be fair game... especially SWEET N SIMPLE

[Don]

Solos, "Gone Crazy," and you and Deen perform "People and Places" along with "We Will Meet Again." Wouldn't that be something, lol?

I'm still waiting for the day that We Will Meet Again re-appears in the set.

I think I'm going to be waiting a long time, unfortuantely.

(It DID appear in a set? Damn . There goes my chance .) What I REALLY dream about is Neal thumbing his nose at everyone and performing Voodoo Child--all of it, singing, playing, headband, fringed vest, guitar wizardry, etc., lol--not the 'fro though--bad mojo. I think he could really pull it off especially in a college town like Austin at the Erwin Center . I think I would be on the floor if I ever heard that played by Neal/Journey...

Heard him do that on the Gens tour... kinda cool I guess but I would have rather heard more deep Journey cuts

I just went to Neal's blog and suggested that he play some different tunes if he's bored and want to take chances, something with more of an edge, like Castles Burning or Lay It Down.
I'll report back if I get a response or if my post gets deleted (It won't be the first time that has happened).

I would definitely like to hear some deep Journey stuff if he's bored as opposed to a cover...

I'd sure like to hear Livin To Do or Signs of Life rendered justice from the latter day Journey... and plenty of old stuff that goes unplayed would be fair game... especially SWEET N SIMPLE

I mentioned that anything pre-Escape would be cool as that was the time they were still considered a Rockband more than a pop group.

[RossValoryRocks]

You know I have been stewing over this (no pun intended) for a few hours...

FTW? All I saw in Youngstown, besides T and YoungJrny having a hoot in the front row, was the mostly casual fan having a ball!

I mean are people REALLY so shallow that would fail to appreciate we even HAVE Journey to listen to?

Guess so...

To ANYONE who can't stand the the new arangements....PLEASE don't buy tickets to anymore shows!!! The rest of us who ENJOY the new breakouts of the music will get better seats!

~Stu

[Don]

People seem to be of a mixed opinion about the new arrangements. It all depends on which song is being re-arranged. What's the point of allowing feedback if only the band's personal view is allowed on the subject?
We've went to their shows all these years, we bought their product, what's wrong with speaking our mind?

[fredinator]

Lay It Down is a really good, unusual tune and Sweet and Simple is outstanding. So is Natural Thing. I wish they had more confidence in their audience--in other words, these tunes are so good that a normal audience might appreciate them these days. Experiment a little, Neal!!

The Voodoo Child rendition didn't thrill you too much? Dang, maybe there's a YouTube of that... I'll have to go nosy around there and see... Neal, how about Wah-Wah?? It would be like a tribute to another fallen beloved rock and roll legend, you know? Just dreaming . What the heck, turn the broken rock into lemonade or something...

[Maui Tom]

People seem to be of a mixed opinion about the new arrangements. It all depends on which song is being re-arranged. What's the point of allowing feedback if only the band's personal view is allowed on the subject?
We've went to their shows all these years, we bought their product, what's wrong with speaking our mind?

GB you are almost at 13000 posts.....you are the human extended version...

[Don]

Lay It Down is a really good, unusual tune and Sweet and Simple is outstanding. So is Natural Thing. I wish they had more confidence in their audience--in other words, these tunes are so good that a normal audience might appreciate them these days. Experiment a little, Neal!!

The Voodoo Child rendition didn't thrill you too much? Dang, maybe there's a YouTube of that... I'll have to go nosy around there and see... Neal, how about Wah-Wah?? It would be like a tribute to another fallen beloved rock and roll legend, you know? Just dreaming . What the heck, turn the broken rock into lemonade or something...

Lay It Down, is the song I wanted to hear during their shows at the Heavy Metal Festivals. From the lyrics to the wicked intro, it sounds like a hard rock tune, through and through.

[Don]

People seem to be of a mixed opinion about the new arrangements. It all depends on which song is being re-arranged. What's the point of allowing feedback if only the band's personal view is allowed on the subject?
We've went to their shows all these years, we bought their product, what's wrong with speaking our mind?

GB you are almost at 13000 posts.....you are the human extended version...

My company is going to bust me for hacking through their firewall and it will all come to an end, probably sooner than later.
I know a lot of people here will be thrilled when that happens.

Two/thirds of my posts come during work hours. Like St. John said, it's a lot more fun when you're getting paid while you're online.

[RedWingFan]

I'd sure like to hear Livin To Do or Signs of Life rendered justice from the latter day Journey... and plenty of old stuff that goes unplayed would be fair game... especially SWEET N SIMPLE

The last half of "Sweet and Simple" would eat Arnel alive!!!!

[Don]

A sample of the lyrics from Lay It Down . A little different than Open Arms. No sailing off or drifting apart in this song. You're so sincere? Lucky they didn't cut the band's balls off after that.

Whisky, wine, and women
They get me though the night
I ain't lookin' for trouble
I ain't lookin' to fight
A little vertical persuasion
Would do me right
I'm really needin'
A double shot tonight

By the midnight hour
We were on our way
She was takin' it higher
Oh higher, higher, higher, then I heard her say
Lay it down (lay it down)
Lay it down (lay, lay it)
Lay it down (lay it down)
Lay it down

[kgdjpubs]

If Neal is comfortable enough to tell people to stay home and listen to the original recordings if they don't like the extended solos, how about changing the setlist up once in awhile? If he's so bored playing the same thing night after night, why not? If people don't like it, they can stay home and put on The Greatest Hits CD.

I think the "bored" part comes from having to play Separate Ways, Wheel in the Sky, Any Way You Want It, Don't Stop Believin', etc. at all the shows--and there's not a lot the band can do about it. You have an audience revolt on your hands if you drop them out for a tour. The new arrangements are at least something different, which makes things fresh. Same thing happens with singers--changing the melody a bit puts a new spin on things. I think we all agree that watching a band simply going thru the motions isn't a lot of fun. If it helps keep the band energized, then you get better concerts. Anyways, sometimes you get some good stuff. I don't think anybody was complaining about the guitar solo added to Happy to Give when that one got dusted off for a few shows circa 2004.

[Don]

If Neal is comfortable enough to tell people to stay home and listen to the original recordings if they don't like the extended solos, how about changing the setlist up once in awhile? If he's so bored playing the same thing night after night, why not? If people don't like it, they can stay home and put on The Greatest Hits CD.

I think the "bored" part comes from having to play Separate Ways, Wheel in the Sky, Any Way You Want It, Don't Stop Believin', etc. at all the shows--and there's not a lot the band can do about it. You have an audience revolt on your hands if you drop them out for a tour. The new arrangements are at least something different, which makes things fresh. Same thing happens with singers--changing the melody a bit puts a new spin on things. I think we all agree that watching a band simply going thru the motions isn't a lot of fun. If it helps keep the band energized, then you get better concerts. Anyways, sometimes you get some good stuff. I don't think anybody was complaining about the guitar solo added to Happy to Give when that one got dusted off for a few shows circa 2004.

If the song had been played every night over the last 600 shows, they might have.

[ebake02]

Amen to that Neal. Half the reason I go to their concerts is to watch Neal shred.

[Don]

I've been spending mornings at the beach the last few weekends, I need to give myself an intervention from here. Whether I like it or not.

By the way, there is some great new material in MR -X. I encourage everyone to try and join.

[steveo777]

13000 posts is a lot of hot air released, man.

[Don]

13000 posts is a lot of hot air released, man.

Yes it is. I lurked for quite awhile before I even threw my hat into the ring and became a member. Somebody here had mentioned the Departure show DVD torrent that I had put up on the Jamtothis site and that's when I finally decided to join.

[Rick]

13000 posts is a lot of hot air released, man.

Yes it is. I lurked for quite awhile before I even threw my hat into the ring and became a member. Somebody here had mentioned the Departure show DVD torrent that I had put up on the Jamtothis site and that's when I finally decided to join.

If it's still available, could you shoot me a PM?